lighten up

verb

lightened up; lightening up; lightens up

intransitive verb

: to take things less seriously

Examples of lighten up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Creativity, romance and self-expression are asking you to lighten up and actually enjoy yourself. Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026 Jason lightens up a bit, giving Ben the disco helmet. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2026 Over the weekend, winds will lighten up as temperatures rise. Lissette Gonzalez, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026 The neutral-to-cool light brown is lightened up with a neutral beige shade. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lighten up

Word History

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lighten up was in 1911

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Cite this Entry

“Lighten up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lighten%20up. Accessed 10 May. 2026.

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